Silver is one of the most popular metals in the jewelry industry, attracting attention with its special shine, elegance and durability. When it comes to buying jewelry, many are interested in whether sterling silver is real silver. This is especially important for those who are looking for high quality and durable jewelry. Let’s take a closer look at what sterling silver is, how it differs from pure silver, and why it is a preferred choice in jewelry.
What Is Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is an alloy made up from 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, most commonly copper. This composition makes it harder and more durable than pure silver, which is a soft metal on its own. Jewelers have long used this alloy to create jewelry because it combines beauty and durability.
The copper in sterling silver helps enhance the properties of the metal without significantly compromising its appearance and value. This alloy is resistant to damage and tarnishing, making it ideal for everyday wear. SO the answer to whether sterling silver is real silver is yes.
Why not use pure silver
Pure metal of 999 assay value contains 99.9% silver. It is practically free of impurities, which makes it very soft and pliable. These qualities limit its use in the jewelry industry, as pure silver bends, scratches and deforms easily.
Pure silver jewelry quickly loses its shape and shine, especially with everyday wear. This is why sterling silver is used in jewelry, which retains a magnificent appearance and holds for a long time. The admixture of copper makes the metal hard and durable – this is important for products that must withstand regular use.
How To Identify Sterling Silver
You can identify sterling silver by several signs. Firstly, in sterling silver jewelry you can often find a special stamp indicating its assay value. Usually this is the number “925”, which means that the alloy contains 92.5% silver. This stamp guarantees that the product meets international quality standards and is genuine sterling silver.
In addition to the stamp, sterling silver can be distinguished by its shine and texture. It has a bright specific shine that is difficult to confuse with other metals. Sterling silver has a smooth surface that retains its original appearance over a long time. However, it is worth remembering that over time, even sterling silver can become slightly tarnished, especially when exposed to moisture and chemicals. But this is not a problem: silver is easy to clean and restore its shine.
Sterling Silver in Jewelry
Sterling silver jewelry is extremely popular all over the world due to its remarkable qualities and aesthetics. This metal allows you to create a wide variety of items: from delicate chains and rings to massive bracelets and necklaces.
The advantages of sterling silver:
- The addition of copper makes sterling silver significantly harder and more durable than pure silver. It is less susceptible to deformation and scratches, making it ideal for creating intricate jewelry that can be worn every day.
- Sterling silver is more affordable than gold or platinum. As a result, beautiful, high quality jewelry can be created at reasonable prices. This makes it a popular choice among buyers looking for stylish jewelry without breaking the bank.
- Hypoallergenic qualities. Silver is hypoallergenic. It rarely causes skin irritation. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin or allergies to metal, such as nickel.
- Sterling silver is easy to work with. Thanks to this, jewelers can create exquisite and detailed pieces. This metal is suitable for both classic and modern designs, which makes it possible to satisfy tastes of a wide range of customers
Sterling silver jewelry combines well with other metals and precious stones. This allows you to create unique and expressive compositions. Silver jewelry can be both independent works of art and an addition to gold or other metals, giving them a unique charm.
Sterling silver and other alloys: which one to pick
There are many silver alloys on the market. Choosing between them can be difficult. Some of them include other metals (such as nickel) to serve different purposes. However, sterling silver remains the most popular and common choice for jewelry.
In comparison to other alloys:
- 800 assay. Contains 80% silver and 20% other metals. This makes it cheaper and less durable. It is more often used in household items, like cutlery, but is rarely found in jewelry.
- 950 assay. Contains 95% silver and 5% other metals. This alloy is closer to pure silver, but is still more durable. It is used to create exclusive jewelry, although it requires more care.
- Silver with nickel. The use of nickel can make silver harder, but it also increases the risk of allergic reactions, making it less popular in the jewelry industry.
Of all the alloys, sterling silver remains the best choice for most jewelry. It combines the optimal ratio of purity, durability and aesthetic appeal. It can be called the ideal solution for creating durable and beautiful products.
Misconceptions About Sterling Silver
There are many myths and misconceptions about silver, especially sterling silver. Some people think that it is not real silver because the metal is not 100% pure. However, this is not true. As we have already mentioned, sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver, which is enough to be considered real.
Another misconception is that adding copper worsens the quality of silver. In fact, it improves it, making the metal stronger and more durable. Copper strengthens, but has almost no effect on its appearance, shine or color.
Some people think that if a piece of jewelry has become tarnished, it is not made of real silver, In fact, tarnishing is a natural process for all items made from the aforementioned metal, even the highest quality ones. IT is caused by its reaction with sulfur in the air. Fortunately, tarnishing is easily dealt with by regular cleaning.
How To Maintain Sterling Silver
Proper care of sterling silver jewelry will help it maintain its shine and beauty for years to come. Here are some simple tips:
- Keep silver jewelry in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. It is best to store it in individual soft bags or boxes to prevent scratches.
- Clean your jewelry regularly with a soft cloth or a special silver polishing cloth. Avoid using hard brushes or harsh chemicals to not damage the metal surface.
- Avoid contact with chemicals. Remove silver jewelry before showering, swimming or using cosmetics and perfumes. Chemicals can cause tarnishing and even damage to silver.
- Professional polishing. Have your jewelry professionally cleaned and polished from time to time. This will help keep it in perfect condition and prevent dirt from building up.
Why Should You Choose Sterling Silver Jewelry at Island Soul
If you are looking for quality sterling silver jewelry, check out Island Soul. They have a wide selection of unique jewelry pieces, all handcrafted in Bali and shipped directly to the United States. Each piece is made from the highest quality sterling silver, ensuring durability and a premium look.
Island Soul offers jewelry that is perfect for any occasion, from casual wear to special events. All pieces have undergone strict quality control so you can be sure of their authenticity and reliability. In addition, the store often runs promotions and discounts, making jewelry shopping even more enjoyable.